Chateau Gruaud-Larose 2004

A robust but clean taste with full-bodied fruit and a definite linear core is followed by the aromatic aromas of smoky, ripe blackcurrants and seductively integrated sweet wood. It is one of the best-value wines from the 2004 vintage and is elegant, sophisticated, and charming.

This 70 hectare estate in Saint-Julien was owned by Chevalier de Gruard and Chevalier de La Rose in the middle of the 18th century. On a label, their two names were combined for the first time in 1781. The estate was split in half due to inheritance issues until Désiré Cordier, who had already purchased a portion in the early 1900s, restored the domain to its full size in 1935.

Before the Merlant family acquired Gruard Larose in 1997, institutional investor groups had owned the company since the 1980s. On a gravel rise covered in a deep crimson color, the vines are arranged in a single block. Since 1970, Georges Pauli and his crew have been in charge of winemaking. Their dedication has allowed the earth at Gruard Larose to reach its full potential. The wine is more deserving than ever of its Second Growth classification from 1855.